Two new freight-friendly COVID-19 testing sites are opening along key routes in Western NSW to further support the industry and keep drivers COVIDsafe.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new pop-up sites at Dubbo and Raglan brings the number of freight testing sites across the state to 11.
“More than 70,000 tests have been carried out across all our testing sites since we opened the first one at Tarcutta more than 12 months ago, and in the last two months alone, we’ve seen a 228 per cent increase in the number of tests carried out at these sites,” said Toole.
“These testing sites have proven invaluable in helping the freight industry meet the challenges of the Delta strain – and make it easier for truckies and other freight workers to get tested and keep essential supplies moving across NSW and interstate.
“The new site at the Blackbutt Rest Area, northbound, Newell Highway in Dubbo will open at 7am on Monday 13 September. The Raglan site, which will suit those travelling between Sydney and the Central West, is set to open in the coming weeks at the Raglan BP Service Centre, 39 Sydney Road.
“These new sites will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to meet their testing requirements and get back on the road.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the Dubbo site would prove a vital measure in keeping our freight industry COVIDsafe and the supply chain moving because of its central location.
“We know Dubbo is a significant key junction between the Newell, Mitchell, and Golden highways, as well as being served by the Main West Rail Line,” said Saunders.
“It’s great we’ve been able to work closely with the freight industry to roll out these sites where they’re needed most.”
Following feedback from industry, the upcoming Hunter Expressway testing site has reportedly been moved to the northwest bound Branxton rest area, which will better accommodate freight accessing the Hunter Expressway from John Renshaw Drive.